ENG2601
ASSIGNMENT 3 SEMESTER 2 2025
UNIQUE NO. 150924
DUE DATE: 4 AUGUST 2025
, Title:
A Critical Analysis of the Tone and Structure in “Is College Worth It? Is This Even
the Right Question?” and Their Impact on Academic Argumentation
Introduction
In academic writing, the tone and structure of a text are essential for establishing
credibility, clarity, and persuasion. Josipa Roksa and Richard Arum’s article, “Is College
Worth It? Is This Even the Right Question?”, seeks to challenge the conventional
wisdom surrounding the value of a college education. However, despite the article’s
relevance and use of research data, its informal tone and loosely organized structure
weaken its effectiveness as an academic argument. This essay critically analyses how
the article’s tone and structure compromise its academic value and hinder the strength
of the authors’ central argument, drawing on examples from the article and insights from
the YouTube video “How to write an academic essay” by Oxford University.
Understanding Tone and Structure in Academic Writing
Academic tone is formal, objective, and avoids emotive or conversational expressions.
The structure typically follows a clear, logical progression: introduction, body, and
conclusion, with coherent paragraphing and evidence-backed arguments. According to
the video, an academic essay must present an argument that is "logically developed"
and supported by evidence, using a "formal register and precise vocabulary" (Oxford,
2020). Failure to adhere to these expectations weakens the impact of the essay, no
matter how relevant the topic.
ASSIGNMENT 3 SEMESTER 2 2025
UNIQUE NO. 150924
DUE DATE: 4 AUGUST 2025
, Title:
A Critical Analysis of the Tone and Structure in “Is College Worth It? Is This Even
the Right Question?” and Their Impact on Academic Argumentation
Introduction
In academic writing, the tone and structure of a text are essential for establishing
credibility, clarity, and persuasion. Josipa Roksa and Richard Arum’s article, “Is College
Worth It? Is This Even the Right Question?”, seeks to challenge the conventional
wisdom surrounding the value of a college education. However, despite the article’s
relevance and use of research data, its informal tone and loosely organized structure
weaken its effectiveness as an academic argument. This essay critically analyses how
the article’s tone and structure compromise its academic value and hinder the strength
of the authors’ central argument, drawing on examples from the article and insights from
the YouTube video “How to write an academic essay” by Oxford University.
Understanding Tone and Structure in Academic Writing
Academic tone is formal, objective, and avoids emotive or conversational expressions.
The structure typically follows a clear, logical progression: introduction, body, and
conclusion, with coherent paragraphing and evidence-backed arguments. According to
the video, an academic essay must present an argument that is "logically developed"
and supported by evidence, using a "formal register and precise vocabulary" (Oxford,
2020). Failure to adhere to these expectations weakens the impact of the essay, no
matter how relevant the topic.
